The idea that families are an important part of society is deeply embedded into many cultures around the world. It is commonly believed that having children is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your family and for future generations.
Some people have argued that this assumption has negative consequences for those who don't fit into traditional models of parenthood. Queer critiques of reproduction challenge these ideas, arguing that they create hierarchies based on who fits into them and who does not. In particular, queer critique of reproduction reveals how lineage and legacy are moralized concepts that marginalize those who do not produce biological offspring. This essay will discuss why lineage and legacy matter so much to Western society, what queer critiques say about them, and how they impact individuals without children.
Why Lineage Matters
Western society places great importance on lineage, or the ability to trace back a person's ancestry through their parents, grandparents, and other relatives. This emphasis on lineage comes from the belief that it provides a sense of identity and belonging, as well as continuity across time. Many cultures see passing down traditions, stories, and values from generation to generation as essential to preserving cultural heritage.
In China, Confucianism placed great value on filial piety, which involved respecting elders and honoring ancestors. These practices were seen as necessary for maintaining social harmony and ensuring stability within communities.
Not everyone has access to these benefits. People who adopt, use assisted reproductive technologies (ART), or otherwise become parents without producing biological offspring may feel excluded from these narratives. They may be unable to connect with family members or participate fully in community events related to family history.
Adoptees may struggle to find information about their birth parents or locate extended family members, while same-sex couples may have difficulty finding suitable donors for ART treatments.
This focus on lineage can create hierarchies based on race, class, and gender. Historically, white men have had more opportunities than women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people to pass down their wealth and power through inheritance. As a result, they are often viewed as having greater moral authority and legitimacy. Similarly, traditional family structures prioritize male heirs over female ones, reinforcing patriarchal norms.
Legacy Matters Too
Legacy refers to the things that a person leaves behind after their death, such as property, money, or reputation. In Western societies, legacies are often tied to status and prestige, and many families strive to build them up over generations. This desire to leave a mark on the world is linked to individualism and the belief that one's life should have meaning beyond just day-to-day living.
But again, not everyone fits into this system. Someone who dies childless or without any tangible assets may seem like they haven't made much impact on society, even though they may have been loved by friends, colleagues, and community members. And some people choose not to pursue legacy-building activities like climbing the corporate ladder or starting businesses in order to focus on other aspects of their lives. They may be seen as less ambitious or successful because of it.
Queer Critique of Reproduction
Queer critiques of reproduction argue that these ideas about lineage and legacy are rooted in heteronormativity and cisgender privilege. They point out that many people outside of these categories struggle to find their place within these narratives and instead feel marginalized and excluded.
Trans people may face discrimination when trying to access fertility treatments or adoption services because of their gender identity. Similarly, nonbinary individuals may be denied parenthood altogether due to their refusal to conform to binary categories.
These critiques also question why family is always seen as the primary way to create social bonds and pass down values. They suggest that there are many other ways to connect with others and build communities based on shared interests, rather than genetic ties. In particular, queer theorists have highlighted how kinship systems can be created through friendship, mentorship, and mutual aid networks. These alternative models of care challenge traditional notions of family and expand our understanding of what it means to belong.
The queer critique of reproduction reveals how lineage and legacy are moralized concepts that reinforce hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and sexuality. By challenging these norms, we can create more inclusive and equitable societies where everyone has a sense of belonging and purpose regardless of their reproductive choices.
How does the queer critique of reproduction reveal the moral fetishization of lineage and legacy?
The queer critique of reproduction emphasizes how traditional conceptions of sexuality and gender are based on an idealized vision of heteronormativity, which privileges cisgender individuals who engage in procreative acts with their partner of the opposite sex.